Packing lubricating system



pr 5, 1949. E. HANsoN 2,466,025

PACKING LUBRIGATING SYSTEM April 5, 1949. E. HANSON PACKING LUBRICATING SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 17, 1945 INVENTOR. EDWARD HANSON. 6M. mm,

April 5,1949. E. HANSN .2,466,025

PACKING LUBRIGATING SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 17, 1945 EDWARD HAN-50N. BY

Patented Apr. 5, 1949 2,466,025 PACKING LUBRICATING SYSTEM Edward Hanson,

tenth to George Ohio Cleveland, Ohio, assignor of one- B. Pitts, Cleveland Heights,

Application February 17, 1945, Serial No. 578,387

16 Claims.

This invention relates to a lubricating system for a shaft which extends through a packing or stuffing box, the lubricant being supplied under pressure to the packing and the latter having an outlet for the discharge of the lubricant escaping through the packing material, whereby the escaping lubricant may be collected and re-supplied to the packing manually or automatically. The invention is particularly useful in connection with an encased mechanism of a type which sets up a pressure within the casing, whereby such pressure may be utilized to sup-ply the lubricant to the packing, as well as equalize the pressure therein, as herein set forth.

One obj ect of the invention is to provide an improved lubricating means for a shaft which extends through a packing, wherein the lubricant is supplied under pressure.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved lubricating means for a shaft which extends through a packing, wherein the lubricant is supplied under pressure, and means are employed to equalize the pressure on the inner end of the packing to prevent leakage of the lubricant inwardly along the shaft.

Another object of the invention is to provide in connection with an encased mechanism the operation of which creates a pressure within its casing, improved lubricating means for the shaft which is mounted in a packing and drives or is driven by said mechanism and wherein the pressure created in said casing is utilized to supply lubricant to the shaft.

Another object of the invention is to provide in connection with an encased mechanism the operation of which creates a pressure within its casing, improved lubricating means for the shaft which is mounted in a packing and drives or is driven by said mechanism and wherein the pressure created in said casing is utilized to supply lubricant to the shaft, to equalize the pressure within the packing inwardly of the supplied 1ubricant, whereby leakage of the lubricant into the casing is prevented and to prevent intake of air into the casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved packing or stuffing box having an inlet and an outlet and lubricating means for the shaft which extends therethrough, wherein the lubricant is supplied under pressure to the inlet of the packing and the latter is arranged to permit escape of the lubricant to the outlet, whereby heating due to rotation of the shaft is eliminated and wear on the material of the packing is materially reduced.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved lubricating system for a shaft which extends through a packing or stuffing box, wherein the lubricant is supplied from a chamber under pressure and the lubricant escaping through the material of the packing or stuffing box is automatically returned to a reservoir for re-supply to the chamber.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which my invention relates from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. l is a fragmentary section of a lubricating system for a packing embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary section showing a slight modification of the construction shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary section showing a different embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section of parts shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section showing another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6--6 of Fig. '7.

Figs. l and 8 are side elevations of parts of the packing shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a section on the line 9-9 of Fig. 6, enlarged.

In the drawings, I indicates as an entirety a closed casing (a portion only of which is shown), for a mechanism connected to a shaft 2, preferably employed to drive the mechanism. The casing l is provided with a hollow boss 3 through which the shaft 2 extends. The inner portion of the opening through the boss 3 ts the shaft 2, whereas the outer portion (which portion is preferably somewhat longer than the inner portion) is enlarged to form a pocket 4 for a packing indicated -as an entirety at 5 around the shaft 2 and an end wall 4a forming a seat for the inner end of the packing 5 which is held in position under pressure by a device 6. The packing serves to prevent the escape of the material (liquid and/or gas) within the casing I. 'Ihe `device 6 :preferably consists `of an annular wall `lia, engaging the outer end of the packing 5 and provided with a flange 6b, which is connected to the boss 3 by diametrically related cap screws `lic threaded into the end wall thereof. The mechanism within the casing l is of a type the operation of which establishes a. pressure therein. As such mechanism may be of various forms, illustration thereof is omitted; however, one examyple is shown in Fig. 3 as consisting of a rotary pump A.

The packing 5 consists of a section of packing material l seated against the end Wall 4a, a lantern ring 8 engaging the packing material 1, inner and outer pressure rings 9, 9a, a section of packing material I between the lantern ring 8 and the inner pressure ring 9, sections of packing material II between the rings 9 and Sa and a section of packing material I2 between the outer pressure ring 9a and the device 6. As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 5, the pressure rings and packing materials related thereto may be varied in their construction.

In the form of construction shown in Fig. 1, the opposite faces of each of the rings 3, Sand Sa are parallel and the side of each ring is formed with an annular recess 8 and at spaced points around its circumference it is formed with openings 8a for a purpose later set forth.

I3 indicates a tank for a suitable lubricant. The tank I3 is provided intermediate its upper and lower end walls I3a, I 3b, with `a transverse division Wall I3c forming a lower chamber I 3' for a supply of the lubricant and an upper chamber I3 forming a reservoir for the lubricant. The bottom wall |322 of the chamber I3 is provided with a discharge pipe I4 connected with a -through opening I 4a formed in the Wall ofthe boss 3 for supplying the lubricant to the recess 8 of the ring 9, from which recess the lubricant is supplied to the shaft 2 through the adjacent openings 8a. The lubricant in the chamber i3 is supplied to the chamber I3 through a pipe |33; which is connected to a fitting I3' mounted in the division Wall |30, the fitting I 3:0' being provided with a normally closed spring operated valve l3nt adapted to be opened due to pressure created in the chamber I3 above the level of the lubricant therein as later set forth. As the lubricant in the chamber I3 is under pressure, as later set forth, and the lubricant in the chamber I3 is normally under atmospheric pressure, the check valve I3 prevents escape of the lubricant or air from the chamber I3' to the chamber I3".

I5 indicates a pipe connected at its -outer end with the casing I. The inner end of the pipe is connected with an opening formed in the Wall of the boss 3, which opening is in turn connected to the recess 8 formed in the ring 8. The liquid operated upon in the casing I, due to the pressure created therein, is forced through the pipe I5 to the ring 8 for a purpose later set forth and to form in conjunction with the packing material I a seal to prevent intake of air resulting from any suction effect around the shaft 2 adjacent the side wall of the casing I. I'S indicates a tank in which air is compressed in the manner later set forth. The pipe I5 is connected to the lower end of the tank by a pipe Ia. The upper end of the tank I6 is connected by a pipe IIb to the chamber I 3 above the level of the lubricant therein, the outlet end of the pipe IBb being preferably :connected to a duct formed in .the Wall I3c.

In operation, a portion of the liquid operated upon in the casing I is forced through the pipe I5 to the ring 8 and also through the pipe I into the tank I5, the liquid discharged into the tank I6 serving to compress the air therein and set up a pressure on the lubricant in the chamber I3', the effect of which is to force the lubricant from the latter to the pressure ring 9. t will thus be observed that this supply of the lubricant under pressure tends to force the lubricant both outwardly and inwardly of the shaft2, but

as the ring 8 is supplied with liquid under pressure from the pipe I5, the .pressure exerted by the lubricant inwardly of Ithe shaft 2 is equalized or counteracted, -to prevent leakage or escape of the 5 lubricant into the casing I.

By preference the device is so adjusted against the outer end of the packing 5 Ithat undue compression of the sections of packing material II is avoided, whereby heating and wear on the shaft 2 is materially reduced and the lubricant may readily flow from the pressure ring 9 to the pressure ring sa, and then flow back to the chamber I3, as hereinafter set forth. The adjustment of the device 6 is so related to the pressure of lthe supplied lubricant that flow thereof to the ring 5a is not materially retarded. To provide for the return of the lubricant from the pressure ring 9a, the annular recess 8 therein is connected through a duct l1 formed in the wall of the boss 3 to Ia pipe It in which the lubricant rises into a collecte-r i9 on the upper end thereof.

The lower end of the collector I9 is connected :by a pipe 2u with the chamber I3, The pipe 2B is .provided with a check valve 20a to prevent flow of air in the chamber I3 or lubricant therein through the pipe 219 to the collector I9. The

collector I9 is vented to permit escape of -air therein due to rise of the lubricant in the pipe i3 and collector as well as to permit the lubricant to freely flow from the collector into the chamber I3". The spring for the valve 20a is of a form to exert slight pressure on the valve element so that ow of the lubricant from the collector ISI is not retarded.

The top Wall of the chamber I3 suitable oil cup 2i. The bottom wall of the cup ZI is provided with a depending nipple 2 Ia which is externally threaded so as to engage a threaded opening formed in the top Wall of the chamber .49 I3". The discharge end of the nipple 2m forms a seat for a vvalve 22. The shank of the valve eX- tends upwardly into the cup 2l and carries a collar 22a, so that a spring 23 interposed between the collar and the bottom of the oil cup normally operates to maintain the valve closed. By preference the oil cup ZI. is provided with a hinged cover 213 and the shank for the valve 22V is of a length to be engaged and operated endwise by the cover when the latter is closed, against the tension of the spring 23. Accordingly, when the cover 24 is raised and the cup 2l is being filled, the valve 22 is closed, but upon closing of the cover 241, the valve 22 will be opened to permit fiowof the lubricant from the cup 2l into the chamber i3. The cover 213 is secured in closed position by a resilient strip 2da forming a snap connection therewith, adapted to release the cover when the cup 2l is to be filled with 'the lubricant.

25 indicates a tting mounted in the top wall of the chamber I 3 and having a normally closed valve. The tting is adapted to be connected with a hose or pipe through which air under pressure is supplied from a suitable source. When the chamber I3 needs to be charged with additional lubricant, the cover 2G is raised to permit the valve 22 to close and an air hose is connected to the iitting 25, the supplied air serving to provide pressure on the lubricant in the chamber I3 and force it past Vthe check valve itx into the chamber I3'.

It will be observed that when the mechanism inthe casing l is started running, the pressure created therein will force some of the liquid (such as water) in the casing through the pipe I5 into the lantern ring 8 and into the tank I6 With the Supports a result that the air therein and in the pipe |319 and chamber |3' will be compressed to effect pressure on the lubricant in the chamber. This operation will continue until the pressure of the air in the system equals or balances the pressure of the liquid supplied by the mechanism in the casing through the pipe i5 to the ring 8 so that supply of liquid to the tank I6 and ring 3 stops. However, as the lubricant in the chamber |3 is forced therefrom and the pressure of the air therein is reduced, the unbalanced pressure relation resulting therefrom will permit the pressure in the casing to immediately supply liquid therefrom to the pipe l5 and tank I6 to restablish a balanced relation between the compressed air and liquid pressure in the ring 8. Accordingly, it will be seen that the pressure of the lubricant supplied to the ring 9 and the pressure of the liquid supplied to the ring 8 are continuously maintained in a substantially equalized or balanced relation and that such pressures are dependent simultaneously upon the pressure created or maintained in the casing Fig. 2 illustrates a modiiied form o construction wherein the pipe 16a, which connects the liquid supply pipe to the pressure tank |3, is provided with a branch pipe la' connected to the casing I, so that liquid in the tank i3 and pipe i5 may be drained into the casing and the latter emptied through a suitable discharge opening usually provided in constructions of the type disclosed. The branch pipe is provided with a suitable valve or cut-olf ia. By preference the pipe I5 is provided with a cut-off |5.

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a modified form of construction wherein the lubricant is automatically supplied from the reservoir to the supply chamber, when the supply in the latter is reduced. Referring to Fig. 3, In: indicates a casing enclosing the impeller A and having an outlet Irc. 3x is a boss through which the shaft 2x extends for connection to the impeller. 5a: indicates as an entirety a packing within the boss 3:13. The packing 5a: consists of a section of packing material 'lx seated against the inner end wall 3a." of the boss, a lantern ring 8a: (which is similar in construction to the ring 8) an inner pressure ring 3x, an outer pressure ring 9x', intermediate pressure rings 9m", a section of packing material |0 between the lantern ring 8:1: and the inner pressure ring 9x, sections of packing material ||.r spaced by the intermediate pressure rings 9m' between the pressure rings 9a', 9:13', and a section of packing material 12a: between the outer pressure ring 31:" and the clamping device 6x, which is adjustably connected to the outer end wall of the boss similar to the device 6 shown in Fig. 1, the device 6a: serving to hold the parts of the packing together. The construction of the pressure rings and packing therebetween form the subject-matter of Letters Patent No. 2,366,729 granted to me on January 9, 1945. |3d indicates a tank having a transverse division wall |3y forming therebelow a lubricant supply chamber |311' and thereabove a reservoir |3y for the lubricant. The chamber |3y is connected by a pipe |43: to the inner pressure ring 9m, whereby the lubricant is supplied or fed under pressure to the packing 5x as already set forth in connection with the disclosure in Fig. 1. The lubricant flows through the packing 5a: to the outer pressure ring 9:13' and then through a duct |11 to a pipe |83: in which the lubricant rises into a collector |932. The collector |9 is connected by a pipe 23a: with the reservoir |3y", whereby the lubricant may be re-supplied to the system. The pipe 20a: is provided with a check valve 20m to seal the reservoir against the pressure maintained therein, as later Set forth. The lubricant in the reservoir |3y" is supplied to the chamber I3y through a pipe |32 which is connected to a tting |32" mounted in the division wall |3y, the tting |3e" being provided with a normally closed spring operated check Valve. The lower end of the pipe |32 forms the seat for a valve 2l mounted on a pivoted arm 28, the outer end of which is provided with a float 29 which maintains the valve 21 seated until the level of the lubricant in the chamber |3y' is lowered, whereupon the pressure in the reservoir |3y will force lubricant therefrom through the pipe |32 to the chamber |311' until the rise of the iioat 29 re-seats the valve 21.

|551: indicates a pipe leading from the casing la: and arranged to supply a portion of the liquid therein to the lantern ring 8:1: to equalize the pressure of the lubricant supplied to the pressure ring 9x and prevent intake of air into the casing lx, as already set forth. I indicates a tank, the bottom of which is connected to the pipe Him by a pipe I', whereby a portion of the liquid supplied to the pipe l ilows into the tank |61: and compresses the air therein to apply pressure on the lubricant in the chamber |3y through a pipe |612 connecting the upper wall of the tank |6a: with the chamber |3y'.

3|) indicates as an entirety hydro-pneumatic means for automatically supplying air pressure in the reservoir |3y above the lubricant therein, to insure now therefrom to the chamber |3y. The pressure supply means 33 consists of the following: 3| indicates a tank connected at its upper end by a pipe 3|a to the upper end of the reservoir |311. 32 indicates a pipe leading from the casing in: to an intake valve 33 mounted in the bottom wall of the tank 3|, the -valve element of the valve consisting of a plunger 33a which is raised and lowered as later set forth. 34 indicates a main discharge opening or outlet provided in the bottom wall of the tank 3| and controlled by a rod 35 which is slidably mounted in a tube 35a suitably supported on the bottom wall of the tank 3|. The lower end of the tube 35a, is formed with one or more ports which communicate with the opening 34 and the latter is connected to a pipe 3E which leads into the casing la: to discharge the liquid thereinto. 37 indicates a secondary discharge opening or outlet provided in the bottom wall of the tank and connected to a pipe 37a which in turn is preferably connected to the pipe 36 to discharge the liquid from the tank 3| into the casing lx. The pipe 37a is provided with a valve 31h which is adjusted to regulate the emptying of the tank 3| as later set forth. The pipe 31a is preferably formed of transparent material whereby the quantity of liquid escaping through the valve 31h may be observed. 38 indicates a float which, in connection with the valve 31h, controls the operation of the valve element 33a and rod 35. The walls of the float are shaped to provide a central opening 38a therethrough for the rod 35 and tube 35a, whereby the float is guided during rise and fall of the liquid in the tank 3|. The lower end of the opening 38a is preferably provided with a collar 38a to reinforce the oat walls. 39 indicates a rocker fulcrumed on a standard 39a which is provided on the bottom wall of the tank 3| between the valve 33 and outlet 34. The outer end of the rocker extends through a slot 33a. formed in the plunger 33a and engages the bottom end wall of the. slot to operate the plunger 33a downwardly (when rockedv clockwise as viewed in Fig. 4) to close the intake Valve 33 and relate the upper end wall of the slot to the outer end of a separate rocker 40, which is also fulcrumed on the standard 39a about the rocker 39. The inner end of the rocker 39 extends through a slot 35h formed in the rod 35 (the tube 35a being formed with openings to accommodate the rocker), the upper end of the slot 35h serving to engage the rocker 39 and rock it counterclockwise (as Viewed in Fig. 4) when the rod 35 is moved downwardly to close the outlet 34A and the lower end of the slot 35h serving to engage the rocker 39 and rock it clockwise to move the plunger 330. downwardly to close the inlet valve 33. The outer end of the rocker il extends through the slot 33a formed in the plunger 33a and operates, when rocked counter-clockwise as Viewed in Fig. 4, to engage the upper end wall of the slot 33a and raise the plunger 33a to open the valve 33. The inner end of the rocker dll is bifurcated to straddle the tube 35a so as to `be in the path of movement of the oat 38 when the latter gravitates downwardly. il indicates a trip pivoted in the side walls of an elongated slot Ma formed in the rod 35 above the Slot 35h. The outer end of the trip 4l is provided with inner and outer wings. The inner wing is arranged to engage a cam 42 on the wall of the tube 35a, the cam serving to swing the trip di outwardly, when the rod 315 is raised, to position the outer wing of the trip in the path of movement of the float 38.

Fig. 4 shows the position of the float 38, plunger 33a and rod 35 following the lling of the tank 3l with liquid from the casing lx through pipe 32; the lling of the tank 3l with liquid serving to compress the air therein to eiect air pressure in the reservoir my" and by engagement of the float 33 with a head 35 on the upper end of the rod 35, the latter has been moved upwardly to open the opening 34, so that discharge of the liquid in the tank 3l automatically starts.l As the liquid level in the tank 3l drops the float gravitates and rst engages the outer wing on the trip 4l and operates therethrough to move the rod downwardly to close the opening 313. Due to the fact that the valve Slo is adjusted to permit a slow flow of the liquid from the tank 3l, the liquid level in the tank 3l continues to drop, following the closing of the opening 34, whereby the float continues to gravitate (the cam 42 permitting the trip il to swing inwardlywithin the tube 35a) and nally the bifurcated end of .the rocker Il to rock it, the operation of which (counter-clockwise as viewed Fig. 4) swings its outer end upwardly and moves the plunger 33a into open position, whereby liquid is supplied to the tank 3| to raise the float 38 which through its engagement withl the head 35 raises the rod 35. The raising of the rod 35 opens the opening 3G, eiects engagement of the lower end wall of the slot 35h with the rocker 39 which closes the valve 33 and re-positions-the trip 5l for engagement by the float 38 in its succeeding gravitational movement. From the foregoing description it will be seen that the tank 3i is alternately lled and emptied automaticallyundcr control of the float 38 and that when the air pressure is built up in the reser-voir l3y", due to rise of the liquid in the tank 3l,the lubricant in the reservoir l3y will be forced into the supply chamber I3y provided the supply therein has been lowered sufciently to permit the float 29 to openV the valve 21.

The collector IS also serves as a receiver for lubricant which may be addedto the system from time .to time.

Fig. 5 illustrates a differentV modification of the invention. In this. view, indicates a vcasing which encloses a mechanism (not shown) I the operation of which creates a pressure` therein. 5| is a boss through which a shaft 52 extends for driving connection with the mechanism. 53 indicates as an entirety a packing within the boss 5| for the shaft. The packing 53 consists .of a section of packing material 54 seated against the inner wall 5| a of the boss, a lantern ring 55 in engagement with the packing material 54, an inner pressure ring 55, an outer pressure. ring 56a, an intermediate pressure ring 55h, a section of packing material 51 between the lantern ring and inner pressure ring 55, a sectionof packing material 58 between each pressure ring and the intermediate pressure ring 56D and a section of packing material 59 between the outerpressure ring 55a and a clamping device till, which is adjustably connected to the outer end wall of the boss 5I similarly to the device 6 shown in Fig. 1, the device 55 serving to hold thekpartsof the packing together. The construction of the pressure rings and packing materials therebetween form the subject-matter of my co-pending application Serial No. 557,921, led October 9, 1944, now Patent No. 2,444,874, for which reason no claim is made thereto in this application. By preference the lantern ring 55 is formed of two sections which are held together by a connector 55a. f

5I indicates a reservoir for the lubricant disposed below the discharge end of a return pipe 62. The upper end of the pipe'Z is connected to a collector 53. 63a indicates a pipe connected at its lower .end to a duct 63h formed in the wall of the boss 5| and leading from the outlet formed in the outer pressure ring 55a, whereby the lubricant owing to the outer pressure ring 55a may rise into the collector and then gravitate to the reservoir 6l. The upper end of the pipe 53a extends into the collector '63 and terminates `in a downwardly extending nozzle 63e. As the walls of the collector are formed of transparent material, the ow'of lubricant from the nozzle 63o may be observed. A screen 54 is provided in the upper end ofthe reservoir 5I to lterthe lubricant discharged from the pipe 62.

65 indicates a well disposed adjacent to the reservoir. The lower end of the wall between the reservoir 5l and well 55 is formed with an opening 65a through which the liquid in the reservoir 6i hows into the well 65. Thevpurpose of the well will later be apparent. 65 indicates a supply chamber for the lubricant, the lower end of the chamber being connected by a pipe 67 to the recess 56 formed in the inner `pressure ring 56.

58 indicates a pipe leading from the casing 55 to the lantern ring 55 for supplying liquid thereto to counter-balance the pressure of the lubricant supplied tothe packing 53, as well as to form a seal to prevent intake of air into the casing 5i). The pipe 68 is provided with a valve 55a which permits the liquid supply to be cut oi.y 53 indicates a vpipe connected to the-liquid supply pipe 58 intermediate the casing 50 and valve 68a and connected to the bottom wall of a tank l0. the upper end `of the tank being connected to the upper end of the lubricant supply chamber 66 by a pipe 70a. In this arrangement. the liquid supplied tothe tank 10 will compress the air therein and hence maintain a pressure on the lubricant in the supply chamber 65, the effect of which is to supply lubricant from the chamber 65 through the pipe 6l to the inner pressure ring 56 under pressure. 1l indicates lubricant supply connections leading from the lower end of the well 65 to the lower end of the supply chamber 66. The outer or discharge end of the connections 'll is provided with a seat for a valve 'Ha which is supported on a pivoted arm 1lb carrying a float 12 which maintains the supply connections 'il closed so long as the lubricant in the chamber 6B is above a predetermined level. 13 indicates a spring operated check valve in the connections 1l to prevent flow of the lubricant from the chamber t to the well 65. Intermediate the well 65 and the check valve 73 the connections 1l are provided with a motor driven pump 14 (preferably of the rotary type). The motor for the pump is supplied with current from a suitable source, the circuit for the motor being provided with a suitable switch lect, The operation of the switch 14a to close and open the circuit for the pump motor is controlled by the rise and fall of the liquid level in the well 65, for which purpose I provide in the well a iioat 'i5 guided by a rod 'i5' having spaced limiting stops for engagement by the doat, The upper end of the rod 15' is pivotally connected to the arm of the switch 14a, so that when the float 'l' rises, due to rise of the liquid level in the well 65, it engages the upper limiting stop, and operates through the rod 15 to close the switch Ma and when the liquid level drops to the level of the lower limiting stop on the rod l5 the engagement of the noat I5 therewith operates through the rod l5' to open the switch 14a, whereby the pump 14 forces the lubricant from the well 65 to the chamber 66, provided the valve 'Ha is unseated. The pump 1li is provided with a by-pass (not shown as such by-pass is a conventional expedient) for discharge of the lubricant into the well 65 in the event the valve 'l la is closed.

In the form of construction shown in Fig. l the pressure generated in the casing I is applied simultaneously to the lantern ring 3 and supply chamber I3', so that so long as the mechanism in the casing l is running, the check valve |333' prevents escape or now of air or lubricant from the chamber I3' to the chamber i3"; but upon stoppage of the mechanism, the pressure in the chamber I3' is reduced to atmospheric pressure, whereupon the lubricant in the reservoir will gravitate through The walls of the tank I3 may be formed of trans parent material, whereby the level of the lubricant in the chamber I3' and/or chamber` i3 can be observed to determine whether additional lubricant should be supplied to the reservoir by iilling of the cup 2| and discharging it therefrom through the valve 22. In the forms of construction shown in Figs. 3 and 5, means are provided for forcing the lubricant from the reservoir to the supply chamber, while the mechanism is running, the supply means being automatically controlled by the rise and fall of the lubricant level in the supply chamber.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that the lubricant is supplied to the packing under pressure, flows through the packing and is circulated for re-supply to the packing and that the packing is constructed to provide pressure between the inner end of the packing and the inlet for the lubricant, so that leakage of the pipe I3 to the chamber.

lubricant into the casing is prevented. The pressure on the packing material of the packing is adjusted to insure lubrication of the shaft and flow of the lubricant from the inlet therefor to the outer pressure ring. In the forms of packing shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the sections of packing material and' faces of the pressure rings are disposed at an oblique angle to the aXis of the shaft, whereby a portion of the packing material overlaps a dametrical portion of the inner pressure ring, so that the lubricant supplied through the inner pressure ring to the shaft is carried by the latter into engagement with the packing material. As the supply of lubricant is continuous it is forced along the shaft to the outer pressure ring, from which the lubricant flows to the collector and then from the collector to the reservoir.

To those skilled in the art to which my invention relates many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. My disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and not intended to be in any sense limiting.

What I claim is:

1. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a liquid receiving casing for a mechanism the operation of which creates a pressure on the liquid therein, a boss provided on the casing and a shaft extending through the boss, of a packing in the boss surrounding said shaft, consisting of an inner pressure ring, an outer pressure ring and packing material between said rings, a supply chamber for lubricant connected to said inner pressure ring, hydropneumatic means connected to said casing and said chamber and dependent on the pressure in said casing for forcing lubricant from said chamber to said inner pressure ring, and means between said inner pressure ring and the inner end wall of said boss and connected to said casing for establishing a pressure counter to the pressure of the lubricant supplied by said hydropneumatic means.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said counter pressure means consist of a lantern ring connected with said casing and packing material between said lantern ring and said inner pressure ring and between said lantern ring and the inner end wall of said boss.

3. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a liquid receiving casing for a mechanism the operation of which creates a pressure on the liquid therein, a boss provided on the casing and a shaft rotatable in and eX- tending through the boss, of a packing in the boss surrounding such shaft, consisting of a lantern ring, a packing element outwardly of said ring, and packing material outwardly of said packing element, a supply chamber for lubricant connected with one end of said packing material, means connected with said casing for simultaneously supplying fluid medium under pressure to said lantern ring and said supply chamber, and a discharge conduit for the lubricant leading from the opposite end of said packing material.

4. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a liquid receiving casing for a mechanism the operation or" which creates a pressure on the liquid therein, a boss provided on the casing and a shaft rotatable in and extending through tne boss, of a packing in the boss for said shaft, Aconsistingpof'an inn-erpres-y sure rin-g, an outer pressure ring andpacking material between said rings, a main chamber for lubricant, hydro-pneumatic means connected with said casing andactuated by the pressure created therein for supplying the lubricant in said chamber to said inner pressure ring 'under pressure, a separate chamber, connections be'- tWeen said outer pressure ring and said separate chamber, and means controlled by the level of the liquid in one of said chambers for supplying lubricant from said separate chamber to said main chamber.

5. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a liquid receivingvcasingfor a mechanism the operation of which creates a pressure on the liquid therein, a boss provided on theV casing and a shaft extending through the boss, 'ofa packing in the boss for said shaft, consisting of Va lantern ring, an inner pressure ring; an outer pressure ring, and packing material between said rings, a lubricant supply chamber connected to said inner pressure ring, a tank, a pipe leadingV fromthe upper end .of said-tank-to said lubricant supply chamber', liquid connections between said casing and saidlantern ring and the lower end of said tank' for supplying liquid Vunder pressure thereto, the. liquidv supplied to said` tank serving to compress the airgthere'in to ,apply pressure on the lubricantin saidcham'-V ber.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim wherein is provided means for re-supplyingth'elubricant fi'owingthrough said packing material" to said outer pressure ring tov said chamber.

7.. In an apparatus of the clas'sydescribedthe combination with 'a liquid rreceiving casingI fora mechanism the operation of which createsgjja pressure on the liquid therein, a boss .provided en the casing, and a shaft rotatable inand'eXtend-e ing through the boss, of a packing inthe boss for said shaft, consisting of'an inner pressure ring,an outer pressure ring and packing material between said rings, a chamber. for lubricant, means for supplying the lubricant insaidl chainber to said inner ypressure ring under pressure, a reservoir, connections between said outer pressurering and said reservoir, connections between saidV reservoir and said chamber, andy hydro pneumatic means for supplying pressure to said reservoir to transfer lubricant` therein through said connectionstosaid chamber.

8. An. apparatus asclaimed in claim 7wherein is provided in said chamber a iloat operated valve for controlling the flow. of the lubricant from saidreservoir to said chamber.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claiin'? "wherein said hydro-pneumatic means consists of a tank havingan outlet at its lower end, a pipe leading from the upper endv of said tank to said reservoir, liquid` connections between said casing andthe lower endV of said tank, a Valve for said'liquid connections and a float in said tank' dependent on the rise and fall ofthe liquid level therein for controllingsaid valve, the* riserof the liquid in said tank. serving to compress the air therein to apply pressure to the lubricant in said reservoir.

10.Y In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with aY liquid casing for a mechanismA the` operation of which creates a pressure on the liquid therein, a-boss provided on the casing and aeshaft extending through the boss, of a. packingv in the boss surrounding said shaft, a lantern ring, an inner pressure ring, an outer pressure ring, packing material between said lantern ring and the inner end wall of said boss and packing material between said rings, a lubricant supply chamber connected to said inner pressurering, and means for; utilizing the pressure in said casing for supplying the lubricant from said chamber to said inner pressure ring and maintaining a pressure in saidrlantern ring substantially equal to the pressure applied to said lubricant in said chamber.

11. In an apparatus Lof the class described, the combination with a liquid receiving casing for amechanism the operation of which `creates a pressure on the liquid therein, a boss provided on the casingand a shaft rotatable in and extending through said boss, of' a packing in said boss for said shaft, consisting of an inner pressure ring, an outer pressure ringv and' packing material between said rings, al main chamber for lubricant,A means between said casing and said chamber for utilizing the pressure in said casing forA forcingthe lubricant from said chamber to said vinner pressure ring and'through said pacl ing to said -outer pressure ring, a separate chamber, connections between said outer pressure ring and said" separate chamber, Yconnections between said chambers, said'V connections including--V a pump, and meanscontrolled by the level of the liquid in said separate-chamber for operating said pump.-

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim l1 wherein said; connections'fbetween-v said chambers are provided with a Valve `arranged to be operated by a oatin said main-chamber due to rise and fall oiA the level of the lubricant therein to control the flow of liquid through said connections into said main chamber.

Y13. In apparatus of the class'fdescribed, the com vination with a liquidreceiving casing for a mechanism the operation of which creates a pressure on vthe liquid therein, a boss provided on the' casing and a shaft rotatable in and extending through said boss, cfv a packing in the boss-for said shaft, consisting of an inner pressurering, an outer'plressure ring and packing between said rings, a chamber for lubricant, connections be'- tvv'een said chamber and said inner pressure ring, a reservoir, Vconnections between said outer'pressure ring and said reservoir, connections between said reservoir and said chamber, hydro-pneumatic means connected 'with said casing and said chamber and dependentonthe pressure inv Said casingfor forcing the lubricant in Asaid chamber into said inner pressure ring for flow through saidpacking to vsaid reservoir, and automatically operated means for controlling the ow of lubricant from said reservoir to said chamber.

14. Apparatus as claimed in'claim 13 wherein the-connections between'A said 'reservoir and said chamber Iare provided with a discharge valve, lthe operationv of which iscontrolled by a iioat'in said chamber.

15; In anv apparatus Vof the Vclass described, the combination withy a liquid receiving casing for-a mechanism thel operation f of which creates a pressure' on the liquidgtherein, aboss provided on the casing and a shaft rotatable in and extending through said boss, ofa packing in the bossfor: said shaft, consistingfof an innerV pressure ring, an outer pressure ringand packing material between said rings, a chamberfor'lubricant, hydro-pneumatic` means connected with said `casing andl actuated bythe pressurev created therein.v for supplying; the 'lubricant in said 'cham'- ber to said inner Vpressure ring under pressure, a

separate chamber for lubricant, connections between said outer pressure ring and said separate chamber, a passage for lubricant from said separate chamber to said rst mentioned chamber, and means dependent on the decrease of pressure in said rst mentioned chamber to a pressure below that in said separate chamber to provide for flow of lubricant from said separate chamber to said rst mentioned chamber.

16. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a liquid receiving casing for a mechanism the operation of which creates a pressure on the liquid therein, a boss provided on the casing and a shaft rotatable in and extending through said boss, of a packing in the boss for said shaft, consisting of an inner pressure ring, an outer pressure ring and packing material between said rings, a chamber for lubricant, hydro-pneumatic means connected with said casing and said chamber to set up a pressure on the lubricant in the latter during operation of the mechanism to eiect discharge of the lubricant to said inner pressure ring under pressure, a separate chamber for lubricant, connections 14 between said outer pressure ring and said separate chamber, a passage for lubricant from said separate chamber to said rst mentioned chamber, a check valve in said passage arranged to be operated to open position by the hydro-static head of the liquid' in said separate chamber upon relief of pressureY in said iirst mentioned chamber, whereby liquid in said separate chamber is supplied to saidfrst mentioned chamber.

EDWARD HANSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 657,343 Fisher Sept. 4, 1900 2,143,637 Vollman Jan. 10, 1939 2,332,150 Huf! Oct. 19, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 23,817 Great Britain 1912 

